A GOP Congressman Has Been Absent For Weeks Despite Trading Stocks, And Dems Hope To Flip Seat

Rep. Thomas “Tom” Kean has been vague about his extended absence from Congress as his whereabouts remain unknown.

A GOP congressman in a competitive district has been absent from Capitol Hill for weeks, with little explanation as to why.

Despite not being seen in public since March, the New Jersey representative appears to still be carrying out one activity: trading stocks.

Republican congressman missing for weeks due to health issue

The New York Times recently reported on the mystery concerning the whereabouts and condition of Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. The New Jersey Republican has not cast a vote in Congress since March 5. For nearly three months, Kean has disappeared from the public eye altogether, with no photos or public sightings. He has canceled various public appearances, such as a May 28 breakfast meeting with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. Despite facing a competitive race to maintain his position representing New Jersey’s 7th District, Kean has not been on the campaign trail.

Kean’s absence has been blamed on an unspecified health problem, but he and those around him have not given many details about his condition. On May 21, Kean spoke by phone to the New Jersey Globe, telling the paper, “My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery.” The 57-year-old Kean said, “I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents.” While not disclosing the nature of his illness, he clarified that it did not impact his cognitive abilities and that he was not expected to have any chronic or long-term negative health effects from the current ailment. Kean also confirmed that he is still seeking reelection, saying, “I anticipate that in the next couple of weeks, I’ll return to voting and to the campaign trail.”

Source: A GOP Congressman Has Been Absent For Weeks Despite Trading Stocks, And Dems Hope To Flip Seat